Latest Blog Posts

There are certain topics in our profession that seem to generate a fair amount of disagreement between colleagues.  The use of vibrato in an ensemble setting. Repertoire performed at ACDA conferences.  The value of certain types of choral groups.  And – gulp! – the placement of female singers in an alto section.   In her […]

NEWS FLASH:  It's August 1st!   As the summer weeks tick away, we start to focus increasing amounts of brain wattage toward the looming school year (and for a large number of colleagues classes begin teaching TODAY!).  Among the countless details we face in preparation for the new season is the age-old question of classroom […]

Check out this new project from the composers community, described here by Gordon Thornett:   A highly innovative project was launched yesterday, whereby choirs who have not previously commissioned any new music through lack of funds, but who would like to, can commission a piece by agreeing to premiere it and make available a good […]

(Here is a little something from Glenn Obergefell to help you get those young minds in your care focused at the beginning of the week.)     This is a chant I lead my students in.  We do this on Mondays when I am having trouble motivating them. I start with “Repeat after ME”   […]

Are you interested in helping ACDA as it grows and strengthens in its ability to serve the choral arts?  Then an amazing career opportunity awaits you in the recently announced position of Director of Membership Development at the American Choral Directors Association.   The Director of Membership Development will have the opportunity work with ACDA’s […]

Cincinnati hosted the World Choir Games this month.  I wish I could have attended the festival and competition; it looks like it was a tremendous success!     Here is a little bit from Cincinnati's "City Beat" that talks about the emotions that surround the award ceremony: By scoring within certain point ranges, singing groups […]

I’m finding most of my choral news of Facebook these days:   As he prepared last week for Sunday’s upcoming performance of the St. Matthew Passion, Helmuth Rilling grilled his conducting students behind the scenes at the Oregon Bach Festival, making sure that they were tuned into even the tiniest details in the sprawling choral […]

Found on Facebook:  

When did you get your first computer? For the ACDA National Office, the answer to this question might surprise you. A few years ago, in response to a need to "modernize" the process of ACDA and, yes, help with that first computer purchase, ACDA created the Technology Committee at the National level. Originally, the goal […]

I’m going to opine briefly and directly for just a moment.   The World Choir Games is a REMARKABLE experience. Pack a bag – TODAY. Head to Cincinnati. Make your way to the Duke Energy Convention Center on 5th Street. Register. Then attend concerts that will rival anything you have ever heard. The event runs […]